Patents by Inventor Gary K. Fain

Gary K. Fain has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5580230
    Abstract: A scroll type machine is disclosed which incorporates an improved mounting arrangement for the non-orbiting scroll member which mounting arrangement greatly facilitates manufacturing and assembly, effectively prevents radial displacement of the non-orbiting scroll member, and offers the advantages of axial compliance. In one embodiment, the non-orbiting scroll is axially movably secured to a bearing housing by means of a plurality of bolts or bolts and sleeves. In another embodiment a rigid annular ring serves to axially movably secure the non-orbiting scroll to the bearing housing while in a third embodiment a stamped ring is secured to both the non-orbiting scroll and the bearing housing. In another embodiment a two piece main bearing housing includes an integral ring for radially positioning the non-orbiting scroll member and means for securing anti-rotation and axial stop means thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Eric G. Keifer, James F. Fogt, Gary K. Fain, Gary J. Anderson, Mark Bass, Jean-Luc Caillat, John P. Elson, Kenneth J. Monnier
  • Patent number: 5380170
    Abstract: A scroll machine has a cover plate attached to the lower bearing housing which is adjacent the lower motor windings of the scroll machine. The cover plate has a plurality of grooves which work in conjunction with a lower counterweight of the scroll machine to circulate the lubricating oil located in the sump around the lower motor winding to cool the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Gary K. Fain
  • Patent number: 5372490
    Abstract: A scroll compressor oil pumping system has a concentric axial bore located in the driveshaft of the compressor which serves as the primary oil pump. The driveshaft is journaled in a lower bearing housing and is located within the oil sump of the compressor. An inlet housing is attached to the lower bearing housing and creates a stepped flow path for the oil between the sump and the oil pump. The inlet housing may also be equipped with a plurality of air foil shaped vanes to impede the formation of a bottom vortex. The stepped flow path causes an annular vortex to form which operates to separate the contaminants from the lubricating oil. In order to assist in the formation of the annular vortex, the driveshaft can include an impeller. The contaminants are channelled into a holding chamber formed by the lower bearing housing and the inlet housing. A plurality of funnel shaped orifices guide the contaminants into the chamber and operate to resist blow out of the debris during liquid flashing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Gary K. Fain
  • Patent number: 5370513
    Abstract: A scroll compressor oil circulation system has the usual concentric bore oil pump which supplies lubricating oil to a chamber within which an impeller rotates. The rotating of the impeller within this chamber pumps lubricating oil through a passage which communicates with a control passage which injects a quantity of lubricant into the compression chambers of the scrolls for cooling and lubrication. The amount of oil injected into the compression chamber is controlled by the shape of the control passage through the orbiting scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Gary K. Fain
  • Patent number: 5090873
    Abstract: In a refrigeration motor compressor of the hermetic type containing an electric motor compartment, and a crankcase compartment, an oil separator installed in the crankcase arranged to prevent oil splash from entering the system. The oil separator includes a generally nautilus shell-shaped structure, an elongated tubular structure, and a check valve assembly for controlling flow. The shell-shaped structure has cross baffles for controlling flow characteristics and a pin for centering the check valve assembly. The check valve assembly includes a helical spring with one end positioned in a retainer in the tubular structure. The other end of the spring fits around the pin and abuts an orifice disk in the shell-shaped structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventor: Gary K. Fain